it has been the practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been the practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a common practice that people have done regularly or for a long period of time. For example, "It has been the practice of my family to have a picnic on the 4th of July for the last twenty years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Because of the fire hazard associated with mineral oil, it has been the practice to use designs for smaller transformers that do not contain oil.

J & P Transformer Book A Practical technology of the Power transformer

It has been the practice for many years of those acting for death-row prisoners in the Caribbean to do so entirely free of charge.

The Economist

It has been the practice in most Asian countries to base the assessment on the annual rental value of the property.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For several years, it has been the practice of marketers, retailers and media companies to start making their pitches earlier and earlier for the important Christmas shopping season.

The New York Times

Generally, it has been the practice to replicate only those few key parameters that determine the phenomena of interest, and the effects of gravity and of minor atmospheric constituents are rarely simulated explicitly.

Advances in Space Research

While it has been the practice of this Court to receive affidavits for the purpose of establishing its own appellate jurisdiction under statutes prescribing that a specified amount in controversy is prerequisite to the appeal, Williamson v. Kincaid, 4 Dall.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But they have acknowledged that it had been the practice of the agency to handle most accusations of abuse internally, despite the office's lack of forensic capacity.

The New York Times

It had been the practice under Henry VI that plaintiffs in the common-law courts could not execute judgments given by the common-law judges if the Lord Chancellor felt their claim was "against conscience".

Wikipedia

It certainly has been the practice, over the years, to make abridgments to Messiah, and there were just a few later passages that I had completely forgotten, if indeed I ever knew or rehearsed them.

The Guardian - Books

But at least until recently, it has been the judicial practice to give a broad, liberal interpretation to those provisions of the Bill of Rights obviously designed to protect the individual from governmental oppression.

Cornell University

For too long it has been the accepted practice of donors such as the UK government and the World Bank to attach a wide range of conditions to the financial assistance they offer developing countries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has been the practice", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what group follows this practice. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been the practice" without specifying the relevant group or field. For example, instead of "It has been the practice", say "It has been the practice in the medical field" or "It has been the practice of this company".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been the practice" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate an established custom, routine, or procedure. Ludwig examples show usage across various domains. As Ludwig AI indicated, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has been the practice" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing established customs or routines. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the relevant group or field to which the practice applies. Consider more concise alternatives like "customarily" or "traditionally" for brevity where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been customary

Focuses on tradition but is more formal.

it has been the tradition

Similar to 'long-standing tradition' but slightly less emphatic.

it is the usual way

Indicates that the action is the most typical or expected approach.

it is customary

Focuses on the habitual nature of an action but is more concise.

it is the established norm

Highlights that the action conforms to a recognized standard.

it is standard procedure

Emphasizes that the action is part of an official or established set of rules.

it is the accepted method

Suggests that the action is recognized and approved as a valid approach.

it is a common habit

Highlights the repeated nature of the action as a personal or group habit.

it is typical behavior

Describes the action as a characteristic way of acting or responding.

it is a long-standing tradition

Implies a historical and cultural weight to the action.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been the practice" in a sentence?

Use "it has been the practice" to describe a custom or routine. For example, "It has been the practice of our company to offer bonuses at the end of the year".

What phrases are similar to "it has been the practice"?

Similar phrases include "it is customary", "it is standard procedure", or "it is a long-standing tradition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "it has been the practice" in formal writing?

Yes, "it has been the practice" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe established customs or procedures.

How can I make my writing more concise when using "it has been the practice"?

Consider using alternatives like "customarily" or "traditionally" if they fit the context. These can sometimes replace the longer phrase for brevity.